India Express Explorer

On arrival in Delhi – after clearing airport formalities – we meet our local representative who welcomes us to India’s vibrant capital. We transfer to our city hotel and check in. You have time to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead. Later, we meet our guide for an introduction to the itinerary and practical tips about the local area.

We begin at India Gate – the grand memorial to soldiers of the First World War – and reflect on its history and place in modern India. We then drive past the President’s Palace and Parliament House for a glimpse of the nation’s political heart, where sweeping avenues showcase imposing colonial architecture. We continue to Humayun’s Tomb – the first Mughal garden tomb and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – whose refined symmetry later inspired the Taj Mahal. At one of Delhi’s important Sikh temples we step into a calm, welcoming space and learn about langar, the community kitchen open to all. Joining locals, we ride the metro from Connaught Place to Old Delhi, then wander through Chandni Chowk, one of the city’s oldest bazaars, threading past stalls piled with spices, textiles and traditional crafts. We explore nearby Chawri Bazar – renowned for brass, copper and paper goods – capturing the enduring commercial spirit of Old Delhi. Along the way we sample classic street food with our guide, delving into the flavours that make the city’s cuisine so celebrated. A rickshaw carries us through the narrow lanes to Jama Masjid – one of India’s largest mosques – where we explore its vast courtyard, admire majestic Mughal architecture and take in sweeping city views.

We leave Delhi and drive through rural Uttar Pradesh towards Agra, passing small towns and fields en route to the city of the Taj Mahal. We pause at Sheroes Hangout Café – run by survivors of acid attacks – to hear their stories over an included lunch that supports this community project. We then join a guided heritage walk through Kachhpura village and the surrounding farmland across the Yamuna from the Taj, learning about local life, traditional housing and small scale industries. We round off the day with a gentle stroll through Mehtab Bagh – the riverside garden opposite the monument – and enjoy atmospheric sunset views of the Taj across the water.

We visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the shifting light softens its white marble, and hear the story of Shah Jahan’s monument to love as we explore the complex. We then depart Agra and drive back to Delhi for your final night, arriving at your hotel with time for you to relax – or to enjoy a last evening in the city.

You have free time in Delhi to rest after your journey. We meet our representative for a briefing on the days ahead – then we transfer to Delhi Airport in time for your international departure.